How To Buy Helium (HNT)

Want to learn how to buy Helium (HNT)? You can buy HNT on FTX Exchange and Binance.US.

Helium is a decentralized internet service built to power the Internet of Things (IoT). While Bitcoin miners verify transactions are legit, Helium miners run hot spots that emit a low-frequency signal across a large radius. Helium sells hot spots that are capable of turning a quick profit in population-dense areas. 

The Helium network is attractive to companies that use a large number of internet-connected devices around the world. Helium already has inked some big partnerships from Lime scooters to Salesforce.com Inc. (NYSE: CRM). 

Purchasing a Helium hot spot is not the only way to make money from this project. Helium is powered by the Helium Network Token (HNT), a cryptocurrency that reflects demand for the network. As adoption grows and the network becomes more powerful, HNT will likely increase in value as well. 

What is HNT?

HNT is the required form of money for interacting with the protocol. Whether you want to use the network or just make an investment, you can be sure that demand for the token will follow the demand for the network. 

While the name the Helium Network Token may lead you to believe it is based on another blockchain, it is actually a misnomer. The HNT is the native asset of its own blockchain, making it a coin by definition. HNT was not pre-mined and has a supply cap of 223,000 coins. 

The distribution of the HNT allocated 30% to network data transfer, 35% to hot spot infrastructure and 35% to founders and early investors. Some notable investors include Andreessen Horowitz (a16z) and FTX’s Alameda Research. 

Brief History of HNT

The price of HNT can be quite volatile — even for crypto. In June 2020, the token traded hands for around $0.25. Today, the token can be purchased for $15.88. Which is down 31% from its all-time high of $23.01. 

How to Buy Helium Crypto

If you’re looking to get a piece of the Helium action, there are a few places you can go as a U.S. resident, and even more if you’re outside the states. 

If you’re a U.S. resident, you’ll have to comply with Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) regulations when setting up your cryptocurrency exchange account. These regulations require the exchanges to collect your Social Security number, a photo of your identification and some other personal details. Have these handy to save time.

Cryptocurrency Wallets for Helium (HNT)

Compare crypto wallets.

Best Hardware Wallet: Ledger Nano X

Currently, the Ledger wallets are the only hardware wallets that support HNT. As HNT is based on a proprietary blockchain, most wallets are slow to add support. Ledger, however, is the industry standard when it comes to security and design. The wallet looks like a typical flash drive, but concealed under the sleek metal covering is an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display for interacting with your device. 

The Ledger Nano X is the follow-up to the smash hit Ledger Nano S, which now comes in at an affordable $59. The S is quite similar to the X but lacks the Bluetooth connection and OLED display. If you’re not planning on using your Ledger on the go, then you’re fine saving some money and picking up the Nano S instead. 

Best Software Wallet: Helium App

If your HNT is dedicated to trading, you’ll want to keep it on the Helium app’s mobile wallet for quick access as the market moves. As helium is based on its own blockchain, it takes a special kind of crypto wallet to hold the currency. While more mobile wallets, like ZenGo, are sure to add support for more currencies in the future, right now your options for storing HNT are pretty limited. 

Current Crypto Prices

As of August 2021, the cryptocurrency markets are a bit of a hot topic. After a spectacular first half of the year, Bitcoin corrected a modest 50% at the end of May. Since then, many newcomers have been apprehensive. While cryptocurrencies are a speculative investment, the future of blockchain technology is becoming quickly apparent. From money to IoT decentralized networks, there’s no telling the limits of a blockchain-powered internet. 

Is Helium a Good Investment?

While Helium is probably not for risk-averse investors, it may yield high returns should the cryptocurrency market cap continue to trend upwards in the long term. As technology and humanity become ever more connected, the demand for a decentralized IoT wireless network is likely to increase. Helium may or may not survive long term, but its 1st-mover advantage and blue chip backing from a16z and Alameda is a good sign.